stiff clutch

[amslthedamsel]

Anybody have any suggestions for a stiff clutch? I am not much of a mechanic, and this is my first bike, so use the really small words with me. I have a 95 Kat 600 that I just bought. The clutch cable was stiff, and made noise, so I lubed it. Helped the noise but not the stiffness. Is it supposed to be this stiff? May be ok for gorilla hands, but i have small girl grips. Someone suggested a custom teflon cable, or a hydralic clutch. Any opinions?

[steves]

A new cable will make a world of difference even if you've lubed the old one.

I would stick to OEM cables though...

[arsenic]

yep, just try a new clutch cable, lube the spring on the worm gear, it's that thing inside the sprocket cover behind the rubber cover, that the cable goes in to.

[md86]

And a little grease on the clutch pivot bolt does nice things , too .

[brez24]

I have a 95 600 also. My clutch got so stiff I could barely squeeze it. I got it lubed but that only helped for a week. I replaced the clutch cable and spring and now it works like brand new. It's only like $10 in parts. No need to struggle for such an easy repair. If you can't do it yourself a bike shop should only charge you an hour (or less) labor.

[amslthedamsel]

Thanks for the suggestion. It's hard - I work in Prudhoe Bay - it's going to be 2 weeks before I get home & can play! Will be replacing the clutch... a friend was recommending getting a custom teflon cable and shedding the "90" fitting...

[amslthedamsel]

just saw the post for the recommendation for OEM cable. Why the prefference?

[steves]

just saw the post for the recommendation for OEM cable. Why the prefference?

Suzuki cables are good... the aftermarket ones (if you can even find them) aren't much better for much more in price.

[ZRader95K]

I have the same problem with my 95 katana 600.... maybe its something wrong with all of them at this age?? either way.. thanks for the suggestions everyone

Where can i buy the clutch cable?? Im having a hard time finding it online

[Wild-Bill]

Try Dennis Kirk. (http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/common/Frontpage.jsp) They do a really good job with aftermarket parts and I've never found a parts house that ships quicker. If you want to stick with OEM you can go with Ron Ayers (http://www.ronayers.com/catalogs/pu/...=108&type=1141) Bike Bandit (http://www.bikebandit.com/) or mrcycles (http://www.mrcycles.com). They've all got good reputations for having the OEM parts at good prices. Word is that both Ron Ayers and Bike Bandit have really slow shipping though. (I've ordered from Ron Ayers and it took 2 1/2 weeks to get my parts.)

[ZRader95K]

Thanks that helped a lot.

[Jerkeife]

i jsut purchased a 95 katana 600 and have the same problem...this helped alot

[Big_Mike]

cable lube is all you need pull off the cable from the leaver and squirt it down in the clutch line and pump it. liquid graphite stuff is the best.

[jdumont]

+1000 for Dennis Kirk. All my orders are through them now... same day shipping!

[hardlydangerous]

Everyone needs to invest in a cbale lube tool and a can of "CABLE LIFE" hell even WD-40 will work... never use a dry lube
Not only the clutch but the throttle cables need lube as well, and should be done at least every 2 months